I currently have an Autohelm 3000 wheel autopilot on my boat. I find that the unit is really to small for the size boat. When I am going about 6+ knots the belt on the 3000 will slip. I am currently looking at an Autohelm 4000+ Wheel Pilot and a Simrad Wheel Pilot 30. Both are in the approximate dollar range. The Simrad Wheel Pilot 30 comes with a free remote where the Autohelm 4000+ doesn't. Does anyone out there have experience with either/both that could give me advise, pros - cons on the units. I wanted to stay away from the below deck models since I would have to have a marine electrician involved and that amounts to $bucks$. Your help would be greatly appreciated. When all is done I will have the Autohelm 3000 available for sale if anyone is interested, let me know.
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Autohelm 6000
I have an Autohelm 6000/7000 and it handles my 376 very competently. I would not recommend anything of lower spec. Regards.
I have an Autohelm 6000/7000 and it handles my 376 very competently. I would not recommend anything of lower spec. Regards.
You will be disappointed...
I had both the 4000 and 3000. Frankly the 3000 is a better unit. If the belt is slipping, tighten it up by sliding the motor mount down. If the wheel is worn get a new wheel. If the belt is worn get a new belt. If all those are in good condition the belt won't slip. If it still slips then a 4000 won't work either. The difference in power between the too is insignificant. Don't know about the Simrad. If you must upgrade get a below decks unit like the Autohelm 6000/7000. If you can't afford it, keep your 3000 until you can.
I had both the 4000 and 3000. Frankly the 3000 is a better unit. If the belt is slipping, tighten it up by sliding the motor mount down. If the wheel is worn get a new wheel. If the belt is worn get a new belt. If all those are in good condition the belt won't slip. If it still slips then a 4000 won't work either. The difference in power between the too is insignificant. Don't know about the Simrad. If you must upgrade get a below decks unit like the Autohelm 6000/7000. If you can't afford it, keep your 3000 until you can.
not enough
Mickey, from the experience of having an autohelm 4000 on an Express 37, which I believe is a much lighter boat than the H37, I suspect that the unit might be inadequate for downwind steerage in all but light conditions. If you're planning to make long passages, you probably won't be happy with anything short of a 6000. Can you get by with a 4000? Probably, especially for daysailing use. But you'll never be able to trust it completely in a blow.
Mickey, from the experience of having an autohelm 4000 on an Express 37, which I believe is a much lighter boat than the H37, I suspect that the unit might be inadequate for downwind steerage in all but light conditions. If you're planning to make long passages, you probably won't be happy with anything short of a 6000. Can you get by with a 4000? Probably, especially for daysailing use. But you'll never be able to trust it completely in a blow.
Simrad rated for higher displ.
My H37C has a displacement of 18000#. The A4000 was not up to that according to their specs. The Simrad is rated at 19000+ so I bought one. It seems to work well and I have been out in some pretty heavy weather with it. The hardest part of the installation was running the wires inside the pedestal. It is not as fancy, no separate display for example. But I like that, all nicely contained. And I did not get the remote but can always add it. The calibration is simple also. Mine is actually a Navico WP300CX from before Simrad bought Navico. Ed(schencked@bfusa.com) s/v Ladylove
My H37C has a displacement of 18000#. The A4000 was not up to that according to their specs. The Simrad is rated at 19000+ so I bought one. It seems to work well and I have been out in some pretty heavy weather with it. The hardest part of the installation was running the wires inside the pedestal. It is not as fancy, no separate display for example. But I like that, all nicely contained. And I did not get the remote but can always add it. The calibration is simple also. Mine is actually a Navico WP300CX from before Simrad bought Navico. Ed(schencked@bfusa.com) s/v Ladylove
go with Simrad
I own a H34 and have the Simrad. It's a little loud, as they all are, but has performed flawlessly. I can't compare it to anything else, but I can say that I'm very happy with the product.
I own a H34 and have the Simrad. It's a little loud, as they all are, but has performed flawlessly. I can't compare it to anything else, but I can say that I'm very happy with the product.
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